Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze
Kick off baking season with Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze! These delightful cookies are perfect for holiday cookie swaps or enjoying with your afternoon tea. They are infused with rich, nutty brown butter and warm masala chai-inspired spices, giving them an extra-cozy flavor that’s hard to resist. Expect thick cookies with crisp edges and a perfectly chewy center, all finished off with a sweet chai maple glaze.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of brown butter and chai spices creates a rich and comforting taste.
- Chewy Texture: These cookies achieve the perfect balance of crispy edges and chewy centers that everyone loves.
- Versatile Treat: Great for holiday gatherings, coffee breaks, or simply indulging at home.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly yet impressive enough for experienced bakers.
- Beautiful Presentation: The maple glaze adds a stunning finish that elevates these cookies for any occasion.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze, gather your tools and ingredients. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Medium skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: This tool makes creaming butter and sugar easy, ensuring a smooth cookie dough.
- Medium skillet: Perfect for browning butter, which adds depth of flavor to your cookies.
- Baking sheets: Essential for baking; they help distribute heat evenly for perfectly baked cookies.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups Bob’s Red Mill Unbleached White Organic All-Purpose Flour
- 2 cups Bob’s Red Mill Organic Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
- 1 tablespoon chai spice blend (see Recipe Notes)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Maple Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons chai spice blend (see Recipe Notes)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 4-6 tablespoons heavy cream
How to Make Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Add the butter to a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 3–4 minutes, swirling or gently stirring the butter as it cooks to prevent burning. Once browned and amber in color, remove from heat and transfer to a bowl of a stand mixer.
Step 2: Mix Sugars and Eggs
In the bowl with browned butter, add both sugars. Using the paddle attachment, beat on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add flour, oats, chai spice blend, baking soda, and salt. Mix well. Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture in 2–3 batches. Mix just until combined. Set aside the dough to cool slightly for about 10–15 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line several baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide cooled cookie dough into 18–20 balls (about 3 tablespoons each). Use your fingers to flatten each ball slightly into a disc shape on the prepared sheets.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Transfer one baking sheet at a time into the preheated oven. Bake for 12–14 minutes until edges are golden brown and tops are set. Remove from oven when done and let cool completely on wire racks.
Step 6: Make the Maple Chai Glaze
While cookies bake and cool, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, chai spice blend, vanilla extract, kosher salt, maple syrup, and heavy cream in a large mixing bowl. Adjust thickness as needed by adding more cream if necessary.
Step 7: Ice the Cookies
Once completely cooled, dip or ice the tops of each cookie into the glaze for generous coverage.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Let iced cookies sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy these delicious chai oatmeal cookies alongside coffee or tea!
How to Serve Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze
These Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon, these cookies can be served in a variety of delightful ways.
With a Warm Beverage
- Coffee: Pair your cookies with a cup of freshly brewed coffee for a classic combination.
- Tea: Enjoy them alongside your favorite tea, enhancing the warm chai spices.
- Hot Chocolate: For a sweet treat, serve with rich hot chocolate, perfect for colder days.
At Holiday Gatherings
- Cookie Platters: Add these cookies to holiday platters alongside other festive treats.
- Gift Bags: Package them in cute bags as homemade gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.
As Dessert
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Create ice cream sandwiches using your favorite flavor for a delicious twist.
- Sundae Topping: Crumble cookies on top of ice cream sundaes for added texture and flavor.
How to Perfect Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze
To truly elevate your baking experience, consider these helpful tips for making the best Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze.
- Boldly Brown Your Butter: Browning the butter adds a nutty depth that enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
- Chill Your Dough: Letting the dough rest in the fridge for 30 minutes can help achieve thicker cookies.
- Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality spices and vanilla will elevate the taste of your cookies significantly.
- Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake; they should be golden at the edges but still soft in the center.
- Adjust Glaze Consistency: If your maple glaze is too thick, add more heavy cream until it’s at your desired pourable consistency.
Best Side Dishes for Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze
Pairing side dishes with these delicious cookies can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Hot Chocolate: Rich and creamy hot chocolate complements the spices perfectly.
- Classic English Breakfast Tea: A strong tea balances out the sweetness while enhancing the chai flavors.
- Cinnamon Spiced Apples: Warm cinnamon apples offer a fruity contrast to the chewy texture of the cookies.
- Chai Latte: A spiced chai latte resonates with cookie flavors while providing warmth and comfort.
- Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a refreshing side that pairs nicely with sweet cookies.
- Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese that can balance out sweetness when served together.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can be tricky, especially when it comes to cookies. Here are some common mistakes to avoid while making your Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze.
- Not using room temperature ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect the texture of your cookies. Allow them to come to room temperature for a consistent batter.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for that soft, chewy texture.
- Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking. Don’t skip this step if you want thick cookies!
- Incorrect oven temperature: Always preheat your oven for even baking. An uncalibrated oven can lead to burnt edges or undercooked centers.
- Using stale spices: Fresh spices are key in recipes like these. Make sure your chai spice blend is fresh for maximum flavor impact.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep them at room temperature for maximum chewiness.
Freezing Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze
- Freeze unglazed cookie dough balls for up to 3 months.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
- Microwave: Warm individual cookies on low power for about 10-15 seconds, being careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Place on a non-stick pan over low heat for a minute or two, flipping halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding the Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze recipe.
Can I use different spices in my chai oatmeal cookies?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize by using your favorite spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a unique twist.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Look for golden edges and set tops. They may appear slightly underbaked in the center but will firm up as they cool.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.
How do I store leftover maple glaze?
Store any leftover glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Re-whisk before use if it thickens.
What makes these oatmeal cookies chewy?
The combination of brown butter and rolled oats contributes to their unique chewy texture. Avoid overbaking them as well!
Final Thoughts
These Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze are a delightful treat perfect for sharing or enjoying with tea. Their warm flavors make them versatile; you can easily customize them by adding nuts or dried fruits. We encourage you to give this recipe a try and savor its cozy goodness!
Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 18 cookies 1x
Description
Kick off your baking season with Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze! These cookies combine the warm flavors of brown butter and chai spices, producing a rich, nutty treat perfect for holiday cookie swaps or a cozy afternoon snack. With thick bodies, crisp edges, and a chewy center, these cookies are topped with a sweet maple glaze that elevates their charm. Whether enjoyed with coffee or gifted in lovely bags, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chai spice blend
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons chai spice blend
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 4–6 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Brown the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until it turns amber. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
- Mix in sugars, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, oats, chai spice blend, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients.
- Chill the dough for 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Form dough into balls and flatten slightly. Bake for 12–14 minutes until golden brown around the edges.
- While cooling, prepare the maple glaze by whisking powdered sugar, chai spices, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and heavy cream until smooth. Adjust consistency as desired.
- Once cooled completely, ice the cookies with the glaze and let sit for at least 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
